Journal: National Poetry Month- April 30, 2004

National Poetry Month began with my trip Mobile, Alabama to Spring Hill College.  I was welcomed by their wonderful southern hospitality. I took a tour and almost attended my first Opera concert. The students came out even though my performance was scheduled during the finally of the Apprentice (my favorite reality show) and invited me back to watch their tape in the dorm, which made me very happy.  I ended the year back home in NYC at John Jay College which turned out to be on of the top ten audiences of my career.  John Jay you rock!!! That was the perfect ending to a perfect season. PS. Spring Hill and John Jay, I promise to put ‘Type Cast’ on wax real soon. 

Journal: Women’s History Month- March 31, 2004

I kicked off my Woman’s History Month Performances at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. The students were great and got my energy up. My next stop was in was to Williamsburg, VA at The College of William and Mary. The brothers took the day to cater to the ladies at their annual women’s day celebration. They were wonderful young men and I loved hanging out with the girls. Finally, I went to upstate New York, and performed for the students at Alfred University. My favorite part of the program was speaking to the students the day after the program. We touched on everything from history to careers and financial aid. Hopefully one day we will have a POetLITICAL, Inc. scholarship and help some students out. Thanks to all the students’ for a fantastic Women’s History Month.

Journal: February 28, 2004 Black History Month

I love Black History Month. There is always good television programming and of course my birthday.  This year started out with a bang with my first performance for the month at Drew University.  The students got me hyped with their energy.  Next it was off to Fordham University where I got so much love the students.  Then I flew to VA to Lynchburg College where everyone made me feel right at home with their southern hospitality.  Finally I end my month at Fashion Institute of Technology where I received fashion tips form the experts and discussed politics and reality TV (you know the important things) ha ha. Thanks to all of the students who invited me to their school I enjoyed every experience. Until next time peace and love!!!

Journal: Pace University October 25, 2003

I just returned form a performance at Pace University.  I performed alongside a good friend and fantastic poet Assata (or Tyrene whatever you know her as). She took it to the page and read some jewels I have never heard. I was really impressed with up and coming poet Spiral, who represented for the students at Pace.  Thanks to John for inviting us and for the student for being a great audience. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Journal: Austin International Poetry Festival 2003

April 15, 2003

I just returned from Austin, Texas. I was in town for the Austin International Poetry Festival and it was great. Despite the constant warnings form concerned family, friends and poets alike and a few minor set backs, I made it with the help of Mahoany Browne and Jive Poetic. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about entering “Bush Country”, but after conversing with Luke my airport shuttle driver, poetry festival documentary filmmaker, and future rock star on the way to my hotel, I found out Austin wasn’t so conservative.  I even saw a few characters that would fit in our Greenwich Village.  Over the three days I met poets from all over the world and had the opportunity to witness an all night open mic. Austin you have got it going on because this New Yorker couldn’t hang in that late. I want to shout out Mo Browne, Jive Poetic, Staja, Black Wax, Talaam Acey, Queen Sheba, Soul, Carl Asantii, Mocha Sista, Val, Shamele, Ivan ho, Black Coffee and all the poets that I missed. If I had to list everyone whose work touched me this weekend, I would have to write a novel. Much love Austin until next year.